Enter a World of Culture, Faith and Love

Posted on June 21, 2011 by shellagillus

Together we will explore a world of culture, faith and love through interviews and stories. Here’s a guide to our journey:

Culture

Being an African American during this period of history is exciting, but I love looking back into the past and finding interesting details about a people of incredible beauty and strength. Although The Loom takes place during slavery, it is not a typical story of captivity. The lives of the enslaved were so much richer than what has been traditionally recorded in history, a fact I try to convey within the pages of my novel. Most of you know the ancestors of African Americans were slaves, but did you know there was a man by the name of Francis “Free Frank” McWorter, who made more than $15,000 in the early 1800s to free himself and 16 members of his family? Amazing. Whatever fascinating stories I discover, I will be sure to pass on to you.

But I also want to know about you. Share with me little known facts about your heritage, your culture and customs. Throughout the year, I’ll be interested in some of your holiday traditions whether they were passed down from your parents or newly formed ideas created by you and yours. I look forward to learning something new and maybe adapting a few that fit.

Faith

I love the Bible (and its Author) so many times I will be exploring my findings in this, my favorite historical book as it relates to today. Just as I explore faith in The Loom, I will spend some time here looking at this subject in depth, asking questions such as, “What does it really mean to have faith?” and a slew of others. Notice I said I’d be asking such questions. We’ll see if we discover the answers together.

Love

And I love love. I do. It’s my “thing.” It’s the one subject I can spend hours discussing, reading or writing about. But I’m not a romance writer nor am I interested in just male, female interaction (although those are among my favorites.) Relationships as a whole intrigue me and I find myself writing stories that embrace all aspects of this power that can ultimately change lives. The love of God, of a mother, of a friend can move nations. And it has. This is what I want to discuss here and books of course. Lots of books, many on this very subject.

Interviews

I also want to interview authors who write about love or culture or faith. And because I love the arts in various forms, we will explore the world of cinema, particularly movies adapted from novels. I would also love to engage some actors in our discussion.

Your Story

In all of this, I want your ideas, your thoughts and opinions on the topics we discuss. I want to know your story. I look forward to hearing from you. There wouldn’t be a journey without you.

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  • ACW

    I was very intrigued as well as excited while reading your sample chapter.  Can’t wait to read the entire novel!
    ACW

  • Drenda

    Shella,  my Sister,
    yes indeed you do love, “Love”, and your spirit is the true epitome  of love. You were the first person in my life
    that taught me to see the beauty not only in life, but the beauty within me, once
    that happened, I was able to display that beauty on the outside and others
    noticed. Man I so looked forward to those summers in Arizona. Each year you
    helped me to realize just what my value was and how God created each of us for
    a very special reason and everyone’s reason was different. We were so young
    however it was you who taught me to, “be true to thine  ownself”.  Does not surprise me that you have birthed your
    first book (which by the way, I just pre-ordered), so excited with, and for you
    and can’t to see what’s   next… 
    Love ya ,Sis

  • nena

    hi there.  i just read your blog and love it!  i’m a friend of your mom’s and an aspiring writer.  you got me with your interest in the “WORD” and “LOVE”.  love is my thing too and i’m definitely a student of the WORD.  in  1Corin 12:31; right before the LOVE chapter 13, paul says:  “. . . and yet i show you a more excellent way.” it is the most excellent thing.  i’m looking forward to buying and reading your book.  GOD BLESS U.

    nena

  • Gwendolyn Potter

    Shella your debut novel, The Loom, should be on everyone’s winter reading list. You have written a powerful and compelling story of love, friendship and the survival of the human spirit. Lydia experienced unspeaker pain and loss, but through her perservance she found happiness as she “redefined” freedom.
    Great Job, God-Daughter
    Gwendolyn Potter

  • Aka4md

    My Soror, I am so proud of you.  I just finished reading your sample chapter and can’t wait to order books for the entire family.  This is truly a blessing and I just want to congratulate you on this successful milestone in your life.  Wishing you well and looking forward to seeing what’s next. 

    Medica

  • Pastor Autry

    Shella, Shella, Shella. I’m so proud of you. I just finished reading the book and yes John is my favorite character. It almost funny and ironic that i am preaching about men on Sunday. I found myself wishing I were John and yet I know i fall so short. I’m a free man and yet john, a slave, was far more a man than me. Wow. I want to be John. I loved the story, especially the epilogue, which reminded me of SO many Chrisitans (we are indeed free, aren’t we? I just loved that). This is rich blessing and many people will be touched by the story. I know we will talk more soon Thank You.

    Pastor Autry

  • Beverly

    Shella, I finish reading the book on Wednesday night. I enjoyed every page I was intrigued by John as well. A slave with whom had no freedom yet he knew how to love, and understood the way God had designed marriage.  The gift he gave Lydia (stick, rock and leaves) brilliant. How I wish I was Lydia and had her strength.   

  • http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com Cafe Lily Book Reviews

    Hi Shella,

    I received a galley copy of The Loom and posted about it on my blog:

    http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com/2011/12/loom.html

    I really enjoyed this story.  It kept me reading long past my bedtime and was so hard to put down.  I agree – this book should be on everyone’s reading list, especially those like me who devour historical fiction!

    Blessings -

    Cafe Lily Book Reviews

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=4714910 Felicia Bell

    This book is beautiful. I studied African-American History from the 1800s – 1950s while in college and The Loom has intrigued me. The spiritual aspects that you have sprinkled in this novel is so important to the journey of our ancestors. I can’t wait to read more from you. Also, Isiah’s strength and the relationship with Lydia was beautiful. Not only during slavery but also now many young girls don’t have the love of their father as they should. Just wonderful. Your story moves me. 

  • Jasmine

    This book was amazing, especially when everything started coming together in the end.  You are such a poetic genius! Blessings to you and your family.  God has given you a gift and I’m thankful you didn’t waste it.  I can’t wait to read another Shella Gillus creation!

  • Peaches

    Cousin Shella,

    I learned of your book from your Dad. I’m immediately ordered copies for myself and my sister as part of her Christmas gift.  I read it during my holiday vacation time.   You took me there!  I shared the thoughts, experiences and emotions of your characters.  (I cannot believe how much I cried!) While our paths have not crossed yet, your work helps me to feel connected to you.  You are a gifted writer and I bless God for your gift.  And, with great pride, I’m sharing The Loom with others, encouraging them to read it. 

    CONGRATULATIONS on your NAACP Image Award nomination.  I could not be more proud and look forward to meeting you when you are in the Chicago area.

    Cousin Peaches

  • Captian Random

    Well…I am about to get started tonight on your book

  • Nena

    Hi Shella, just finished reading your book.  Excellent! Loved it. I see a movie in the works.  All the twists and turns; but you took us right back to the finish.  Reminded me of a Toni Morrison book.  Looking forward to your next one or the movie!

  • Anonymous

    Hey Shella, I literally just finished reading The Loom, when I saw that I could speak to you about my thoughts I jumped at the chance. The Loom is very inspirational and I admit, which is hard to do for me, that I had to hold back tears when sweet ol’ Lou died. The grief of Isaiah and the love she left behind for that rotten Jackson that promised wealth. I felt compelled to write to you about how much I appreciate the time and devotion you spent writing The Loom. I have read over 100 books and at least 50 stories written by teenagers on fanfiction websites over the course of the past 6 months and I feel that The Loom stood out the most. I also have to admit that I am a sucker for romance and John’s love for Lydia is enchanting. Thank you, thank you and thank you for taking me through this journey.

  • Shirldoug_98

    Is there two different versions of this book? I have not read anything about Sadie or Jackson and Lydia getting married or anything about Sadie and her love. What gives?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1324369088 Margarita White

    I just finished reading The Loom!  I read it in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it!  I could not put the book down.  I was just wondering have you written any other books?  Continue to keep up the excellent work that you are doing!

    May God richly bless you!